Frequently Asked Questions

At Parkfield Family Dental, we never want our patients to feel hesitant when they have questions about our services or the practice itself – our team is here to help! Below, you’ll find several of the most popular FAQS our office receives and Dr. Tijerina’s answers to them in one convenient place. Still left wondering about something? You can contact us by phone or through our simple online form.

What ages do you see?

Like our name suggests, our practice is open to children, adults, and whole families! We understand that being able to bring everyone to one dental practice can save parents a lot of time and cost – plus, we really enjoy getting to know everyone and seeing them grow over the years. Dr. Tijerina’s wide variety of available services offers something for smiles at every stage of life.

How often should I be coming in for a checkup and cleaning?

Generally, patients should be scheduling a professional checkup and cleaning twice each calendar year, or every six months on average. In some cases, extenuating circumstances may cause Dr. Tijerina to recommend more frequent appointments, such as the presence of periodontal disease or a strong sensitivity to dental decay. Our team’s goal is to keep patients’ smiles safe and identify any troubling symptoms as early as we possibly can.

Why is a tooth-colored filling better than a metal filling?

In addition to their obvious aesthetic value, tooth-colored fillings are 100% biocompatible and very comfortable. Their lack of metal won’t react to hot and cold temperatures as strongly as amalgam does, resulting in less oral sensitivity for our patients. The composite resin material we use also bonds directly to the tooth, which allows Dr. Tijerina to sculpt much smaller, more conservative fillings and protect more of the tooth’s remaining natural shape.

I’m worried about my new dental crown looking unnatural. Are there more lifelike options?

There is! Our office primarily recommends all-ceramic, metal-free restorations for teeth that appear prominently in your smile. These restorations are seamlessly attractive and highly durable. Patients will be able to maintain their confident appearance while also successfully rebuilding teeth that are injured, decayed, or otherwise imperfect.

Going to the dentist makes me very nervous. Can you help me?

We certainly can. Sedation dentistry is available to help make the treatment process much more comfortable and relaxed for fearful patients and/or patients who are in need of lengthy procedures. IV sedation will be administered by an on-site oral surgeon for maximum safety, and patients will enter such a deep state of calm that they likely won’t even remember much about the appointment once they’ve recovered.

Do you see dental emergencies?

Yes! Dr. Tijerina makes every effort to see emergency cases as soon as possible so that patients aren’t left struggling with pain for extended periods. If you call on a day when we are open, our team will fit you in for a same-day appointment.

Do you take my insurance?

Our practice is happy to work with virtually all PPO dental insurance plans, and we’ll even accept lower, in-network fees for most of them. To learn more about your financial options, please contact us directly or visit our new patients page.